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Dr Niraj Rai explained how love doesn’t just make you feel good, it can also influence the way your DNA behaves.
Dr Niraj Rai is Genetics Expert and Population Genomics Researcher. (Photo Credit: YouTube)
We have all heard people say that love heals. But what if science actually backed that up? Beyond just emotions, a researcher recently claimed that love can literally affect your body at a genetic level.
On Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Dr Niraj Rai, Genetics Expert and Population Genomics Researcher, explained how love doesn’t just make you feel good, it can also influence the way your DNA behaves. This field of study is called epigenetics which the study of gene expression that occur without altering the actual DNA sequence.
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‘Love Can Heal Your Body’
“In epigenetics, these days they say that if you are in love, then your body and your genes start to heal,” Allahbadia asked during the conversation.
“Yes, it happens. It definitely happens,” Dr. Rai confirmed.
He went on to explain that our DNA has certain hotspots where chemical changes, known as methylation, can occur. When a methyl group attaches to the DNA, it can switch a gene on or off, hence changing the expression pattern.
In simple words, your thoughts, emotions and surroundings can directly influence how your body functions.
When Ranveer Allahbadia pointed out that being happy and surrounded by love, family support, and a partner creates a positive impact, Dr. Rai explained that in such conditions harmful epigenetic changes in the DNA slow down.
“If you are doing meditation or yoga, you experience inner peace. The environment of yoga interacts with your genes. This is called gene-environment interaction. Your DNA remains intact while interacting with yoga. These are all scientifically proven things,” Dr Rai said.
The Internet Had Other Ideas
While Dr Rai’s views are definitely thought-provoking, the comments section gave the discussion a very different and much funnier spin. Many joked that if love can heal your DNA, then heartbreak can surely damage it too.
One user jokingly commented, “It also can damage the DNA.”
Another added, “And believe me when he will cheat on you that DNA will be worsen.”
“Love destroyed my whole DNA,” someone else said.
“Yessss try self love,” a person remarked while a commenter wrote, Falling in love with the wrong person can give you lifetime of illness as well!”
The Role of Oxytocin: The ‘Love Hormone’
A report in the Grants Pass Tribune, citing a recent study, highlighted that emotional connections and physical touch may actually influence how our genes are expressed. The key player here is oxytocin, a chemical messenger in the body often nicknamed the “love hormone.”
This hormone is released during warm, physical interactions and is linked to stronger emotional bonds, lower stress levels and improved mental well-being.
About the Author
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
Delhi, India, India
September 07, 2025, 06:30 IST
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